Monte took his arm and assisted him to the elevator. The man appeared half blind. His heart went out to him at once. As they reached the first floor the stranger again hesitated. He smiled nervously.
"I wanted to get out in the air," he explained. "I thought I could find a valet to accompany me."
Monte hesitated. He did not want to intrude, but there was something about this helpless American that appealed to him. Impulsively he said: "Would you come with me? Covington is my name. I 'm just off for a walk along the quay."
"Noyes is my name," answered Peter. "I'd like to come, but I don't want to trouble you to that extent."
Monte took his arm.
"Come on," he said. "It's a bully morning."
"The air smells good," nodded Noyes. "I should have waited for my sister, but I was a bit restless. Do you mind asking the clerk to let her know where I am when she comes down?"
Monte called Henri.
"Inform Miss Noyes we'll be on the quay," he told him.
They walked in silence until they reached the boulevard bordering the ocean.